My Journey from Peru to Sweden

Whenever I tell my friends in my master’s program that it took me a full 33 hours to get from Peru to Sweden, their reactions are always priceless: “No way!” 😲 And honestly, I get it—it’s not exactly a short trip! Even back in Peru, whenever I mentioned that I was moving to Sweden for a few years, the first thing I’d hear was, “Why so far?” Well, you’re probably thinking the same thing—what made me pack my bags and travel halfway across the world to study here in Sweden? Let me tell you!

The Dream

I think I always knew I wanted to study abroad. Even when I started my bachelor’s degree, I couldn’t shake the thought: I have to go abroad, even if it’s just for one semester. Some of my friends took that leap, and they came back with stories of unforgettable experiences. I really wanted to live that experience too. However, since I changed my major twice, my bachelor’s studies became even longer than usual. Did you know that bachelor’s programs in Peru are five years long? Yep, five whole years. It’s a long stretch! And mine was even longer. So, back then, I decided to put that dream on hold, finish my bachelor’s as quickly as possible, and jump straight into work to gain some experience.

Fast forward to almost three years of working, a global pandemic, and feeling stuck in the 9-to-5 routine… the idea of studying abroad came rushing back. I realized there was a part of me that still craved something more. And honestly? I had nothing to lose at that point in my life. So, I threw myself into researching universities, programs, and scholarships—it practically became my new hobby for a whole year!

Why Sweden?

In the beginning, I had no idea which program or university I wanted, or even which country I wanted to study in. All I knew was that I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and explore life outside my home country. I wanted to immerse myself in new cultures and experience a truly international environment. So, every time I found a new program, scholarship, or perk from different countries, I saved it. I even made a special list on Instagram and TikTok to keep track of everything (honestly, that’s a great tip if you’re starting your search too!).

Ironically, in the middle of my endless research, I stumbled upon this very blog I’m writing on now. I read through the experiences of other digital ambassadors, and their stories really inspired me. I also found a fun little test called: “Is Sweden the right study destination for you?” I remember getting 100% on that quiz, and from that moment, I was hooked. Sweden suddenly became the centre of my research, and I couldn’t wait to learn more about what it had to offer.

I quickly discovered that Sweden is an amazing choice if you’re looking for an international environment—students from all over the world come to study here! The quality of education is top-notch, and it’s truly student-centered. Teachers genuinely want you to learn and are always ready to lend a hand if you’re struggling. Universities here also place a huge emphasis on mental health, with counsellors available whenever you need support.

And, of course, Sweden is just beautiful. I remember scrolling through photos of this country, absolutely stunned by its breathtaking nature and charming, picturesque buildings. With all of that in mind, Sweden quickly became my top choice, and I dove right into planning my application!

The Process

Now that applications are open, you might be in the same phase I was a year ago. It’s a long process, I know. But the best tip I can give you is to stay organized—keep track of all the key dates and deadlines, and make sure you’re uploading all the required documents for each program. For me, writing motivation letters took a lot of time; I spent about a month on them because here in Sweden, you can apply for up to four different master’s programs.

After finishing my applications, I set my sights on a scholarship called the Swedish Institute Scholarship. For me, securing a scholarship was crucial—I knew that without financial support, studying abroad would be difficult. But don’t let that stop you! There are options if you don’t have all the funds you need. Many universities have their own scholarships, too. And if you’re from Peru, like me, you’ll find that we’re eligible for many of them. 

Honestly, the application process itself is pretty straightforward compared to the emotional rollercoaster that comes after you find out you’re moving abroad. When I got the news that I’d been accepted into Lund University and received the Swedish Institute Scholarship, I was over the moon—but I also felt a wave of nostalgia. It’s that strange feeling when your dream starts becoming reality, and suddenly, you realize all the things you’ll have to leave behind. Your friends, your family, your pets, everything you love back home… it’s tough.

My last month in Peru was the hardest, filled with bittersweet goodbyes. I had so many farewell parties and spent every moment I could with the people I love. I’ll always cherish those memories—dining at my favorite Peruvian restaurants, celebrating with my friends, sharing tears, and soaking in all the little moments together. 💙 Leaving for the unknown is never easy, especially on your own, but my dream of studying in Sweden kept me going. I couldn’t back down from that dream.

Was it worth it?

Do I have any regrets? Maybe just that super long flight! I mean, I could have booked a direct one, but I opted for a few layovers to save money (Capricorn style, haha). But honestly, that’s the only thing I’d change. Now that I’ve been in Sweden for a little over two months, all the fears and uncertainties I had before coming here have pretty much disappeared.

In my first week, I made some amazing friends—people I now hang out with all the time, and who feel like my little family here in Sweden. I’ve been having new experiences and meeting friends from all over the world, which has been incredible. Of course, I’ve faced my fair share of culture shocks, too—this country is so different from Peru!

On the academic side, I just wrapped up my first course, and I really enjoyed it. And outside of the classroom, I’ve already done some hiking and seen Sweden’s stunning nature. I even got lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from my accommodation’s rooftop!

But there’s still so much more I’m exploring, and I’ll be sharing more of my experiences in future posts. For now, I can definitely say that coming to Sweden was so worth it! If you’re thinking about making the move but still have doubts, just drop them in the comments—I’m here to help! 😊